Five Tips on How To Prepare For Your First Family Portrait With Children
If you have never taken family portraits, it may seem a little intimidating. Especially if you have younger children. In my experience, having a successful family portrait session just involves a little planning before the session. And making sure to do a few things during the actual session. Here are five tips on how to prepare for your first family portrait with children.
Before The Session – Build Excitement
One of the best things you can do is to build excitement for the session. I recommend mentioning that you guys are going to go to a park, have fun, and take pictures. If your child sees that you are excited for the session, there is a good chance that they will be too. You can even practice having them smile or come up with a fun word for them to say before we snap the pictures. The most common word that people use is, “cheese.” However, I find that having them say something silly or another word like ice cream is more effective.
Before The Session – Provide Incentives
Another great way to get the most out of your first family portrait session is to provide incentives. In my experience, planning something fun to do or go to after the session keeps children engaged and motivated. You can also provide incentives during the session. Bringing a snack and giving them small portions throughout the session usually works great.
During The Session – Don’t Bring Anything That You Do Not Want Your Child Holding During The Session
One of the things I do not recommend is to bring and give your child anything that you do not want them holding during pictures. Things like a stuffed animal or a toy may be hard to get away from them 🙂 And under no circumstances should you ever give them your phone. Once this is given to them, it will be nearly impossible to get them back engaged in the session.
During The Session – Keep Smiling, Looking At The Camera
Another simple tip is to keep smiling. If your child sees that you are smiling, they will be more inclined to do so as well. Some children take a while to get into the session – but you don’t have to be worried or show a worried look as we get them comfortable 🙂 And also make sure to keep looking at the camera. A lot of times, a child will give a really BIG smile and Mom or Dad will be looking at them. Unless we are doing candid poses, where you are not required to look at the camera, make sure to smile and keep looking up!
During The Session – Let Them Choose How To Pose
Last but not least, letting your child have a say in the session is another way to keep them engaged. It can be something as simple as saying, “do you want to sit or stand?” Letting them choose simple options can be a great way to get them smiling 😉
Hopefully these five tips on how to prepare for your first family portrait with children has been helpful. Thanks!
